Encouraging Creativity in the Science Lab

Journal Article | August 2010

Although science is a creative endeavor (NRC 1996, p. 46), many students think they are not encouraged—or even allowed—to be creative in the laboratory. When students think there is only one correct way to do a lab,…

The Egg: In the Lab and Across Cultures

Journal Article | March 2003

Eggs can be an inexpensive way to illustrate scientific concepts and promote understanding of other cultures. This series of demonstrations address the science and cross-cultural significance of eggs.

The Alien Lab: A Study in Genetics

Journal Article | September 2002

Integrate language arts, mathematics, and art with this creature-building activity. Students reinforce their understanding of basic principles of heredity by creating alien creatures with specific traits.

Tried and True: The Halloween Lab

Journal Article | September 2011

This column provides classic demonstrations and experiments with a new twist. In this month’s issue the author describes a Halloween lab that uses physical and chemical changes to teach students about change of state,…

Technology in the Lab: Part Two

Journal Article | September 2005

Probeware is increasingly being implemented in science classrooms because it is less expensive than it used to be and improvements in hardware and software have made it more accessible to students and teachers. This…

Idea Bank: The Paint Chip Lab

Journal Article | June 2006

Early on in the study of physical science, students must grasp concepts associated with the periodic table. A perfect way to introduce periodicity and periodic groups is by using paint chip color samples. The color…